Paper Title
Towards The Role of Language, Culture and Identity in ESL/EFL Educational Context
Abstract
The process of identity formation is intricate and evolves within social contexts. The cultural backgrounds of both teachers and students play a crucial role in education, as differences in ethnicity, race, language, social status, religion, or economics can lead to cultural disconnection, potentially resulting in learning difficulties. This research aims to investigate English language education in relation to the cultural identities of teachers and students. The researchers conducted a comprehensive review of relevant literature focusing on the impact of cultural identity on teaching and learning. The study revealed that various factors such as age, socio-cultural and ethnic backgrounds, gender, living in a different country, and exposure to foreign cultures can influence one's identity. Specifically, in Iran and similar Asian countries, learners in educational systems may be at risk of adopting a new identity that conflicts with their traditional sociocultural and religious identity. Therefore, it is essential for teachers to understand their students' cultural identities, gain self-awareness about their own identity, and promote collaborative and reflective teaching practices to enhance both their professional identity and their students' motivation for learning, leading to improved educational outcomes. The insights from this research are beneficial for language educators, university students, and educational administrators.
Keywords: Culture, Education, Language, Teachers’ Identity